Running a restaurant whose daily sales exceed $1,000 is a dream of many Americans. However, opening a restaurant isn’t all rainbows and sunshine.
A 2020 National Restaurant Association release reveals that more than one million restaurateurs open their doors to the public daily. Do all of them survive? Certainly, not.
You need to put in a lot of effort to market your restaurant business because surviving in the industry isn’t child’s play. That’s because the restaurant industry is highly competitive. Nowadays, customers are spoilt for choices when deciding which restaurant to dine in.
As good food speaks for itself, it’s easy to keep people walking through the door again and again. But the real struggle is to make them walk through your restaurant’s door the very first time.
Driving traffic to a restaurant is tricky, but it isn’t impossible. On that note, here are some tried-and-tested strategies that will tempt diners to walk in and experience your restaurant’s offerings:
#1 Set Up a Google Business Profile
Increasing your restaurant’s visibility is essential for its growth, but it’s one of the toughest tasks. Setting up your eateries’ Google Business Profile will simplify the task. Nowadays, a large number of people use Google Maps to search for businesses. Imagine the number of visitors you’d lose if your restaurant didn’t pop up on Google when they searched for it.
Make sure to add the correct address of your restaurant as well as the open hours and links to your socials and website. Bear in mind that Google learns about your business through the information you feed into your Google Business Profile. Provide as much information as possible.
#2 Highlight the Best Dishes With a Pro Video Shoot
Short videos are all the rage on social media. As a restaurateur, you cannot afford to miss it, as you never know which short, mouth-watering clip will pull foodies to your outlet.
Once your feed is full of professional snaps of all the dishes served at your restaurant, plan a professional video shoot. Of course, that means you’ll have to spend a tad bit. Case in point – 92% of video marketers believe that video marketing delivers a good ROI.
Hire videographers to record good close-ups of some of your best dishes, so you can upload them on all your socials. You can also turn the short clips into promo videos and upload them to increase your restaurant’s visibility.
#3 Use the Good Ol’ Fashion Pole Signs
Be it shops, hotels, or other retail establishments, signage has been around for decades. After all, it’s one of the most effective ways to grab your potential patrons’ attention.
While it may seem unimportant, one survey reveals that 60% of Americans have driven past a business they were looking for due to inadequate signage. Would you want your audience to overlook your signage and step into your competitor’s restaurant? Definitely, not.
Grab your customers’ attention by using a one-of-a-kind restaurant sign. While a creative chalkboard sign highlighting your specials is great, pole restaurant signs standing high on the street side will live rent-free in your audiences’ minds. Doesn’t that sound great?
Phoenix Signs affirms that the large size and consistent exposure of pole signs offer a degree of visibility unattainable by signage of other types and make an impression on everyone who goes by. The best part of these restaurant building signs? They are fully customizable.
Pole signs are retro signs which will attract both older and younger generations. The former will drop in for traditional food, while younger ones will drop by for a unique experience. Either way, it’s a win-win for you.
#4 Run a Business Card Giveaway
Though old school, running a business card giveaway is fun. Place a bowl near the register and persuade visitors to add their business cards. At the end of the month, draw one card out and announce the giveaway winner.
This giveaway is nothing like social media giveaways. But it will increase the foot traffic of your restaurant, as people will have to show up at your outlet to participate in the contest. This way, you’ll be able to thank your diners for supporting your restaurant.
#5 Announce a Food Challenge
It may not have struck your mind, but announcing a food challenge is a great strategy to market your restaurant. Eating challenges aren’t for the weak of stomach or the faint of heart. Of course, it’s difficult due to the overwhelming spice or heat and the sheer size of the portion.
Whether anyone will win the challenge is difficult to say. But one thing is certain: people from all over the city will show up. Casey’s 32oz “Whale” Fish ‘n’ Chips challenge deserves mention. That’s because it offers people an hour to devour a 32oz battered haddock, 15 ounces of fresh & delicious chips, and four small sides (cups) of your choice.
Inspired? Start Planning
Marketing your restaurant may seem like a challenge, but trust us, it isn’t that difficult. Like every business, you need to prepare a marketing strategy that entails both online and offline marketing. Plan your move beforehand, as it will help you distribute marketing funds evenly.
When you’re able to increase your brand’s visibility, offering coupons and discounts, starting an online booking option, and running targeted ads will drive customers to your outlet. Also, connecting with food influencers will benefit you more than you can imagine.
